cusanus

Don't sweat it, you'd never get a job with the ssa.

I believe the "manual" forms are ignored until Jan/Feb if the recipient never got them and has no other choice. A friend was unable to get any government mail to her address in Hang Dong. We managed to get one in 2018 with much hassle, so I used the barcode on that as a template, changed the date on top to the new year, signed and dated current year. It worked fine for the next few years, so if Wilkes-Barre is receiving them, that will work. I understand a blank form cannot be used until Jan/Feb following because the barcode is preferred for processing. Again, the barcode info remains the same year to year.

Sent this to Manila an hour ago or so, got this, not much of an answer: Thank you for contacting the Social Security Administration's Federal Benefits Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. The mailing of the Annual Report Forms (SSA-7162 and SSA-7161) for the year 2025 is delayed. We encourage that you regularly visit Service Around the World - Office of Earnings & International Operations for any announcements and updates regarding the annual reporting requirement. ----------------------------------------------- You are very busy and I don't want to waste your time, but hopefully you can provide some badly needed answers to confused and agitated expats. The 7162 forms from Wilkes-Barre were supposed to be mailed May or early June (SSA website 2025 announcement) as they have for many decades except during the covid pandemic when this was announced. This year there is no announcement or explanation as to why the forms are late. An SSA agent in the states spent a long time searching for a barcode form I sent on 4 July being unaware that the forms weren't sent this year. How could it be that phone reps have no knowledge of the form being sent? Queries via phone to Manila have given conflicting assurances about when the form would be mailed, but the July forecasts turned out false and later ones not believed of course. Some online searches (AI assisted) say the forms will not be mailed in 2025. Is this true or not? Others say that DOGE has fired all 1400 Wilkes-Barre employees. Is that true or not? Can you tell us for certain whether the forms will be mailed or when or if at all and whether benefits will be suspended in Feb 2026? Answers to these questions are only fair to the many thousands who depend on their SS payments. Please try to give us an explanation. If you have time, can you check and see if my own 4 July form with barcode has been received?

Well, it's most suspicious and frustrating that no SSA agents are able to say the forms haven't been mailed or explain why they are late or say with certainty when they might be sent. No doubt DOGE has wrought severe dysfunction to SSA and expats are the victims. By the way, I get this from Bing: Copilot Answer The SSA Form 7162 for 2025 has not been mailed yet due to typical delays in the distribution process, which usually begins in May each year. Mailing Schedule and Delays Annual Distribution: The SSA Form 7162, often referred to as the "Are you still alive?" form, is typically mailed out in May. Many recipients have reported not receiving their forms yet, even as late as August 2025. Potential Issues: Delays can occur due to various factors, including postal service issues, changes in mailing addresses, or administrative delays within the SSA itself. Some individuals have experienced their forms being lost in the mail or not received at all, leading to temporary suspensions of benefits.

Because I would be in constant contact with the recipient/sender either through email, website, or USA phone number via magicjack. No need for a tracking number because I would definitely know when it got there and on this end I have a stamp. By the way, do you know that international tracking stops at the port of entry? I used tracking for the 1st time in Jan because I was sending a credit card. No tracking beyond NY customs and 3 months to get there. I sent a second one before it arrived and that one took about six weeks. As for the 7162 forms the times I checked they were confirmed registered by end of the 3rd week. I can't say exactly two weeks and for ten years I didn't bother, but why would these by any different than dozens of ones where I knew the day they arrived. I guess being government forms they might have been a little slower.

The Google answer is obviously not correct, but the DuckDuckGo reply looks perfectly valid and totally reasonable to me. If the same language doesn't show up in an official ssa announcement, I'll send another barcode version and/or blank form in January to be on the safe side.

Google: why are forms 7162 2025 not mailed 2025 ssa Social Security Administration (SSA) forms SSA-7162 are not mailed out in 2025 because the agency has suspended mailing them, according to the Social Security website. This suspension is due to recent pandemic-related disruptions in mail service. However, this suspension does not affect the receipt of Social Security benefits. Form SSA-7162, the Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire, is typically sent annually to individuals living outside the United States who receive Social Security benefits, to verify their continued eligibility. Despite the suspension of mailings, the SSA still requires individuals to report any changes in their circumstances that could affect their eligibility. To fulfill this requirement, individuals should contact the SSA directly if they have not received the form and believe they need to complete it. They can also check the SSA website for information and instructions. If the form is required, individuals will need to print, complete, and return it to the SSA. I googled again and did not get this same text. It's AI generated so I'm not sure it's correct. Then I got the duckduck go answer: Forms SSA-7162 are not mailed in 2025 due to ongoing postal service disruptions and changes in the Social Security Administration's processes. Beneficiaries living abroad are required to complete this form annually to verify their eligibility for benefits, but the SSA has adapted its mailing practices in response to these challenges.https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/ip3/www.americansabroad.org.ico americansabroad.orghttps://external-content.duckduckgo.com/ip3/www.ssa.gov.ico Social Security Administration Mailing of Form SSA-7162 in 2025 Overview of Form SSA-7162 Form SSA-7162, also known as the "proof of life" form, is required for individuals receiving Social Security benefits while living abroad. This form is essential for verifying continued eligibility for benefits. Mailing Status in 2025 In 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is not mailing Form SSA-7162 to beneficiaries living outside the United States. This decision is part of ongoing efforts to streamline processes and adapt to changes in service delivery. Reasons for Non-Mailing Digital Transition: The SSA is increasingly moving towards online services, encouraging beneficiaries to manage their accounts digitally. Environmental Considerations: Reducing paper usage aligns with sustainability goals. Efficiency Improvements: Online management reduces delays associated with postal services, especially for international mail. What Beneficiaries Should Do Beneficiaries who do not receive Form SSA-7162 should ensure their contact information is up to date with the SSA. If you suspect an issue or have not received the form, it is advisable to contact the SSA or your local U.S. embassy for assistance. https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/ip3/www.americansabroad.org.ico americansabroad.orghttps://external-content.duckduckgo.com/ip3/mexicorelocationguide.com.ico mexicorelocationguide.com

No intent to stoke panic, but the January 2025 SSA announcements make plain the forms will be sent in May/June. https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0302655010 Of course, it is no coincidence that DOGE overturned the normal operation of SSA. That isn't a concern so much as the failure of SSA to put forth an explanation of why the forms are late and when they might be expected, or why no agents are either aware of them being late or able to give formal proof of when they will be sent. I hope they will arrive before December because it becomes more likely they won't be received in time to avoid suspension. Of course, no rational person would expect they will suspend payments if the forms were never mailed, but then no rational person would believe the forms would fail to arrive, so some will assume otherwise and an avalanche of blank forms will be incoming January 2026. So much for making government more efficient.

Good for you. I've sent every 7162 ordinary air mail since 2010 and it never failed to arrive within two weeks. In fact, any ordinary mail I've sent or received in the last 20 years has not failed to find its destination within two weeks. The one with tracking I sent my daughter in January took three months.

Since 2010 I've returned every 7162 form by ordinary 1st class air (about 60 baht I think) and never was it not received within two weeks. I sent a letter to my daughter early this year with tracking (not EMS) and it took three months by which time we assumed it was lost. Tracking stopped at the port of entry and nothing after that. Courier does not fail because Wilkes-Barre is a PO box on the return envelope, but it seems to have problems sometimes. This is the first year I've sent a barcode form (July 4) and not been able to confirm receipt by phone or email three weeks later, but of course it wasn't the original form and the system is obviously somewhat broken this year. The US rep thought it should have been there and spent a long time checking this and that, but then she didn't know the forms were not sent yet this year.

When I applied over 15 years ago I called Manila and had to give my mother's maiden among other things. I started getting benefits by my 62nd birthday June 22 in 2010. Sometimes I don't get a timely or helpful response from Manila but often I do. Yes, the forms go out early June with barcode and return envelope, without fail except this year after all the dogey business. If they do not receive it WITH barcode by late August, they send another. The blank form is if you never got the barcode form in your mail and must act before Feb when your benefits are suspended. Mail it to both Manila and Wilkes-Barre. Right, there's no validation so you have to call Manila or the states (or email) and ask 3-5 weeks later. Some use tracking, but I advise against courier service. Save (make copy) your form w/ barcode. At times I've used the barcode form as a template, put 2025 at top, signed and dated for 2025 and it worked. I did this on 4 July this year but they haven't logged it yet. Probably went into the round file, but I'll call again in a couple of weeks. I expect (hope) the form will arrive sometime in September this year.

Form is supposed to be mailed by early June but this year not and no official explanation. Blank forms w/o barcode are not accepted until probably Jan after 7162 not received. Nothing to do with birthday. I had to file by phone with Manila, know your mom's maiden name. Mailed forms have barcode. Try this, but it won't be of any use before 2027. Hopefully, we will get our forms by late September this year. https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/ssa7162ocrsm.pdf *** If I remember correctly, you won't get a 7162 if you haven't been here six months, but then your address is already Thailand, so safe to assume you must get a form in. A friend was here less than six months and did not get a form but was mistakenly cut off SS in February, so think that over. A few phone calls to US did get it straightened out, but it was 3-4 hours of frustration. Manila is your FBU and usually pretty good at providing timely answers but sometimes it takes a few tries or waiting for an email response.

Of course I agree, you can't take the word of yet another peon and the US rep I called didn't even know the forms were late; however, Pib's experiences as he posted support the likelihood that forms w/o barcodes are not accepted until probably Jan/Feb. That leaves only one choice and that's to wait it out. Again, you could use the barcoded form as a template to fill in a new signature and date, but I did that 4 July and it has yet to be posted. That's up to you, but I'm not going to get in a lather over it until late October. If there's no form and my 4 July form not received, I'll of course send in another to Wilkes-Barre and start making more calls to express my concerns. I'm too far away to have attended the FBU meeting here in Chiang Mai, but it's a good sign that they made that effort. It seems unlikely Trump would cut off expats from SS, but certainly recent politics erode confidence in the system. My son was so upset about it that he left a $100k job in SLC and moved to Europe. I wish he hadn't done that, but I understand why people are excited.

You did. A friend called them a few days ago and was told the forms would be mailed late Aug or Sept, forms w/o barcode not accepted, also my 4 July form hasn't been received yet. The only option is to wait for the mailed form. You could send a form with barcode like I did, but it's a shot in the dark.

Ok, got an answer from SSA in the states after about 15 minutes. She spent another fifteen minutes trying to find a record of my form receipt, but failed to do so. She recommended calling again in three weeks to check. She didn't seem to be aware that the 2025 forms were never mailed yet. If it isn't there in a few weeks, I'll just wait for September.

Yeah, Muskmelon is draining city water supplies to feed these AI super computer beasts that kick out surreal images with oversize crotches and totally irrational answers. The world has gone mad. All the parts in AI are there, but the results off the mark and full of baloney. But we just have to wait until the form comes in Sept, and if it doesn't or isn't logged by January, fill in the blank one and send to both Manila and Wilkes-Barre as Pib explained so well where I missed. I'll try to call tonight and find out if my 4 July barcode made the grade. That means I can't go to bed at 10:00 but what the hell.

Somehow I don't see dingdong's post on 7/21. Someone earlier claimed the forms were to be mailed by 11 July, well according to an SS peon. Now my friend is told by Manila that they won't be mailed until late Aug or Sept, and forms w/o barcodes not likely accepted unless your form is not received and January is upon you. I believe you can take that to heart. We'll probably get the form in Sept, then send normal mail is best, then email or call Manila a few weeks later to confirm if you've been watching the news or worked for the government and now you're the anxious type. Yes, many on this thread have nerves of steel and lots of dough, I know. Wouldn't hurt to scan a copy of the form with barcode before you send it. As for this matter of having to visit a field office to make a change, I wouldn't worry about that because that's what the form is for, or was before all this dogey business. Knock on wood.

Well, a plane trip to Manila might be a nice trip.

Some news. A friend just now got through to Manila FBU. He was told the first forms won't be mailed until late August or September. He also said the barcode is now required and filled in blank forms will not be accepted. I doubt he's right about that, but a heads up if your snail mail fails. Rob forgot the main question, had his 4 July form been logged, so I'm thinking of calling the states myself tonight. My Magicjack doesn't work for Manilla.

This is the autoreply I got from that address: Greetings, Thank you for contacting the Social Security Administration Division of International Operations. We typically respond within 10 business days. However, current volumes are high and may cause delays. We respectfully request that you avoid sending multiple emails, as this may cause further delays. I guess you could also mail a form to Manila. They did read my email so they haven't been fired yet, but they still haven't answered. I found this on Reddit which came from Manila a couple of years ago: To reinstate your payments, please complete the attached Form SSA-7162 and mail it back to SSA’s Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Manila at the following address: Social Security Administration U.S. Embassy Manila1201 Roxas Boulevard, ErmitaManila, Philippines 0930 IMPORTANT: Unfortunately, we are unable to accept scanned, emailed, or faxed copies of the form. We MUST receive the actual form completed and signed.

Well, the rep at least did say that mailing in a blank form should be an acceptable solution, so that should settle the outrage over jumping the gun. If it includes the barcode and other stuff that shouldn't boil their livers either. No doubt the dogey shakeup has delayed the system, but I truly don't believe they will cut off benefits for those of us who can demonstrate we aren't dead yet.

Only SSA announcement re 7162 2025: https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0302655010

Mail should take two weeks exact, though this last six months it's been erratic. As I said, I never had problems for ten years, never bothered to check, but since then I wait three weeks and email Manila (attach copy of the filled in form) and ask if they'll check. Usually, they get back to me. [email protected] I think is the email. I've also called SS in the states with a Magic Jack and gotten a decent answer, but this year I think it's a mess.

This stuff is right under your SSN on the last barcode version labeled BNC BIC and COC, sorry not BIN. I don't recall what the BNC stands for or the BIC, but COC means something like center of control, I think for me 929 stands for Chiang Mai. Sometimes if you call SS they want to know this number, so it could be helpful. You can Google it, but not necessary. I ignore the DIBIND 71DES stuff under that, but just look at a copy of last year's form and at least add in the COC.

I always send regular mail and had no problems for 10 years prior to covid. One might assume it's more likely to be ignored if sent courier because it's a PO Box, but I think that makes no difference. Still a waste of money in my opinion. I've sent 2-3 in some years for others when mail was disrupted and am sure nobody bothers to think about that. I prefer using the last barcode because it might facilitate processing, but there's nothing wrong with using the blank IF you get the SSN on there and you can add BIN and COC as well. I wait a few weeks and email Manila to ask if it was received and include a scanned copy which I believe they can use to register the form themselves. I'm sure I am more proactive (paranoid?) simply because I've been helping two friends over the years who have had more than their share of problems while I've never had a missed letter either way, but covid kind of complicated things. So, maybe wait another week or two for the form to arrive and not let me worry you, but if September comes around and there's still no announcement from SS that might be time to act (again). Good luck.